Mint for bloating and irritable bowel!

If you think mint helps only with pure breath or is used as a decoration in various cocktails, we have news for you! Mint and especially its oil is one of the most effective herbs for stomach upsets such as bloating and indigestion, but can also relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Mint: Properties

Mint as a herb is a valuable ally for our oral hygiene, and can also help us deal more easily with a seasonal allergy and a common cold with fever. Mint tea is also very effective!

Indigestion and bloating

Mint has been used for centuries for stomach upset and indigestion. It appears to stimulate the secretion of bile and thus contribute to better digestion (1).

Peppermint oil relieves pain and unpleasant gas, thus reducing the bloating that often annoys us after eating! Food supplements containing peppermint oil and caraway oil seem to have synergistic action and relieve indigestion.

Peppermint oil and Irritable bowel syndrome

According to many studies, enteric-coated capsules with peppermint oil, which allow oil to pass through stomach and dissolve in the intestine, can alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel, such as abdominal pain, swelling and gas. However, if the capsules are non enteric-coated, then problems such as heartburn and nausea may occur (2).

In a double blind study, 75% of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome who received enteric-coated capsules with peppermint oil twice a day for four weeks had at least a 50% reduction in overall symptoms compared to the absence of change in those taking placebo (1).

Side effects

Some side effects that may occur are heartburn, burn feeling during diarrhea, allergic reactions such as redness and headache. To reduce the chances of a side effect, select mint supplement in an enteric -coated capsule and take it for two hours away from medications. Avoid peppermint oil if you suffer from achlorhydria (a condition where no hydrochloric acid is produced in the stomach) (3). It is also contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.

So choose mint and peppermint oil and get rid of bloating and indigestion! See your life getting better if you suffer from irritable bowel symptoms. Even if you do not have any of the above, enjoy a glass of hot mint tea and let the aroma and flavor of it drift you!

Πελαγία Δαμιανού

Bsc, Nutritionist - Dietician specializing in Clinical Nutrition, in Food Disorders in Children and Adolescents and in Nutritional Supplements. Certified Consultant of Vichy and La Roche Posay. Read more

Disclaimer

The content of this blogspot is not and can not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All information is provided to readers solely for informational purposes. There is no intention to substitute this content for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment.

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